Life is Not a Football Game

I’m not a big fan of watching football games on television….don’t shoot me, I know that’s practically un-American, but God made me unique…ha! I didn’t tell you that to defend my position but to use football terms in an analogy. We’ve all heard, said, and probably used in our own actions, “The best defense is a good offense.”

While this might be true in football (I don’t even know if it is), that’s not what God had in mind for the life of a Christian. Who among us hasn’t done that at one time or another? Some people make a lifestyle of it. It’s when we don’t own our actions and sins and divert the attention/focus to the actions and sins of others in an effort to defend what we have done/said. We attack the other person when we feel defensive. We go on the offense, usually in aggressive, angry ways. We become a one man team. We quarterback when we hurl ugly words and tones at the opponent. We become the offensive line when we tackle and rush at those we perceive to be trying to get at us. Intimidation can come in loud voices, rushing in to get in someone’s face, using physical size to our advantage, wounding with words, and making your opponent the enemy all in the name of defensive actions instead of owning our own shortcomings and failings.

Like in football, people and relationships get hurt and damaged. Scripture talks about this.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Proverbs 17:27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 12:18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Matthew 7:3 And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own?
Proverbs 20:19 A gossip tells secrets, so don't hang around with someone who talks too much.
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.
Proverbs 18:13 What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts!
Colossians 3:19 And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.
Ephesians 4:26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Proverbs 14:29 Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
Proverbs 17:14 Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools.
Romans 12:19 Don't quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Romans 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Football may be a game where defenses and offenses make a difference. Life is not a game and living a Christian life means leaving all that behind. God’s Word says it all.